Decent Homes Standard
Decent Homes in Private Sector Housing
A Decent Home is a home that is warm, weatherproof and has reasonably modern facilities.
The Decent Homes Standard was set by The Government and affects both social and private housing.
A target has been set for private sector housing – to ensure 70% of non-decent housing occupied by vulnerable residents is improved by 2010.The definition of 'vulnerable' is given as anyone in receipt of one of the principle means tested or long-term disability benefits and families with children.
A 'Decent Home' meets the following four criteria
Meets the current statutory minimum standard for housingThe current minimum standard for housing is the Fitness Standard (repair, stability, freedom from damp, internal arrangement, natural lighting, ventilation, water supply, drainage, sanitary and kitchen facilities). The Government intends to replace the Fitness Standard with the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) through the Housing Act 2004
Is in a reasonable state of repair
A home will fail this if one or more of the key building components is old and in poor condition, for example walls, roof, windows/doors, gas installations and electrics. Or if, two or more other building components are old and in poor condition, such as kitchens and bathrooms. (A component cannot fail this criterion based on age alone).Has reasonably modern facilities and services
A home will fail the Decent Homes Standard if it lacks three or more of the following:
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Reasonably modern kitchen that is no more than 20 years old
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A kitchen with adequate space and layout
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A reasonably modern bathroom that is no more than 30 years old
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An appropriately located bathroom and WC
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Adequate noise insulation (where external noise is a issue)
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Adequate size and layout of common areas of flats.
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Provides a reasonable degree of thermal comfort
A home is required to have both
Efficient Heating
This can be a programmable central heating system using gas, oil, LPG, solid fuel or electric storage heaters.
Effective Insulation
This can be a minimum of 50 mm loft insulation or cavity wall insulation for dwellings with gas or oil heating.
Minimum 200 mm loft insulation and cavity wall insulation for dwellings heated by electric storage heaters, LPG or solid fuel.
Housing Renewal Policy
Council will be reviewing its Private Sector Housing Renewal Policy to ensure that it contributes to the improvement of non – decent homes in Kennet in accordance with the National Decent Home Target.
In order to assist in establishing a baseline position in Kennet which will include the number of non – decent homes and the reasons for them failing the standard, the Council is seeking to conduct a House Condition Survey , which will be undertaken in 2005.
Contact
For more information, please contact Environmental Health's Housing & Pollution Team on 01380 724911 or email kennet@kennet.gov.uk or visit the Department for Communities and Local Government web site at (External link)www.communities.gov.u
k (External link)